Damian Lillard’s Return to Portland
Portland, Oregon – A momentous return for NBA star Damian Lillard unfolded as he officially rejoined the Portland Trail Blazers through a new three-year contract worth $45 million. The news of his comeback came as a delightful surprise, not just to basketball fans but to his family as well. Only after signing the deal did Lillard, now 35 and a nine-time All-Star, share the good news with his children, ensuring them they wouldn’t need to fly to Milwaukee anymore.
“We got back in the car, and my daughter asked if we would be staying in Portland,”
Lillard recounted with a smile.
Reflections on His Departure
The anticipation surrounding Lillard’s homecoming was palpable as he addressed the media, reminiscing about his two-year departure that took him away from the Trail Blazers—his only NBA team until now—after he initially requested a trade. His relocation to Milwaukee proved to be a challenging chapter, especially given that a significant injury sidelined him last season, leading to his eventual release by the Bucks.
Despite the hurdles, Lillard expressed a profound sense of belonging. He emphasized how wrong it felt to be away from Portland, stating,
“When I have to make a decision, a lot of thought goes into it. This decision wasn’t hard at all.”
While enthusiastic about joining his beloved city again, there are realities to contend with, as he is facing a long rehabilitation process for his torn Achilles tendon that may keep him off the court for the upcoming season.
Looking Ahead
As Lillard prepared to return, he reflected on the last two years with the Bucks, feeling the nagging urge to return to his roots. Not only did he yearn to be closer to his children—7-year-old Dame Jr. and 4-year-old twins Kali and Kalii—but he also sees an opportunity to mentor Portland’s promising young talents like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. Lillard candidly shared his excitement about the potential he sees in the Blazers’ current roster, aiming to help them succeed during his recovery phase.
Head Coach Chauncey Billups humorously remarked on Lillard’s new role as a mentor, dubbing him the “highest-paid assistant coach in league history” due to his considerable experience and influence. However, the exact timeline for Lillard’s return to play remains uncertain; the Blazers management emphasized prioritizing Lillard’s long-term health.
Clearing Misunderstandings
Reflecting on his previous departure, Lillard attempted to clear up misconceptions regarding his relationships within the team, specifically with General Manager Joe Cronin. He characterized the breakdown in communication as a misunderstanding rather than discord, recounting how their conversations were ultimately constructive as both sought a solution that would bring Lillard back to Portland, where he belongs.
As the news of his signing spread, a former Trail Blazer messaged Cronin, asserting,
‘everything is right in the NBA again.’
This sentiment resonated not only with Lillard but also with his delighted children, marking the beginning of a hopeful new chapter for the beloved basketball player in Portland.
